PJM started reviewing applications in the first phase of its overhauled interconnection process on Sept. 28, covering 617 proposed generation projects capable of producing nearly 169 GW of electricity. This is the first group of resources processed under PJM's new approach, built to cut speculative projects, make timing more predictable and speed up the overall pace of interconnection. Projects now move through what is meant to be a one- to two-year review, with timing depending on the impact of each project.
PJM received 811 initial applications for this Cycle, and 715 projects were accepted into it. Projects that withdrew before Phase 1 began will get their readiness deposits refunded. The new "first-ready, first-served" model requires developers to make meaningful upfront financial commitments and prove Site Control before their projects count toward the review.
Resource mix
The 617 projects break down by technology as follows:
| Resource | Projects | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | 265 | 50.1 GW |
| Natural gas | 124 | 81.1 GW |
| Solar | 101 | 9.4 GW |
| Wind | 58 | 3.5 GW |
| Solar/storage | 29 | 6.0 GW |
| Nuclear | 25 | 17.6 GW |
| Other | 9 | 0.789 GW |
| Hydro | 6 | 0.086 GW |
Demand pressure
PJM expects electricity demand to rise by up to 70 GW by 2038, driven largely by data centers and other large load customers. Demand growth is outpacing new supply, which PJM says puts reliability at risk for the 67 million people it serves across 13 states and the District of Columbia.
What the capacity figures mean
The nameplate totals above show the maximum potential output of each project, not what will actually reach the grid. PJM says that, based on past cycles, only a share of applicants go on to sign interconnection agreements and start operating. PJM currently holds signed agreements for 49 GW of generation, though many of those projects are not being built at all or are being slowed by hurdles such as state permitting and supply chain backlogs. PJM said it is working with stakeholders and state and federal policymakers on those holdups.
Project-level detail is available on PJM's Cycle Service Request Status Page.
